A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 52-year-old male client experiencing chest pain. Below are the exhibits to guide your answer:
Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify:
- The condition the client is most likely experiencing.
- Two actions the nurse should take.
- Two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.
The Correct Answer is []
Condition: Myocardial infarction.
2 actions:
Administer oxygen via nasal cannula 2 L/min,
Request a prescription for aspirin 325 mg.
2 parameters:
Vital signs,
Electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm.
Rationale for correct condition: A myocardial infarction is indicated by the elevated troponin levels and ST elevation on the ECG. The client’s symptoms of chest pain, elevated heart rate, and low oxygen saturation support this diagnosis. Prompt identification and treatment are crucial to minimize heart damage. The medical history of hypertension and coronary artery disease increases the likelihood. Immediate interventions can significantly improve outcomes.
Rationale for actions: Administer oxygen to improve oxygenation and reduce myocardial workload. Requesting aspirin helps prevent further clot formation. Morphine alleviates pain but may obscure symptoms, making it less urgent. Nitroglycerin relieves chest pain by vasodilation but is secondary. Verapamil is less immediate for acute myocardial infarction management. Vital signs reflect hemodynamic status and response to treatment. ECG rhythm detects ongoing ischemia or arrhythmias. Monitoring WBC count is less relevant acutely. Platelet count is stable; not the focus in immediate management.
Rationale for parameters: Vital signs ensure hemodynamic stability and detect hypotension or shock. ECG rhythm monitors arrhythmias and ongoing ischemia, critical in myocardial infarction. WBC count indicates infection or inflammation, less immediate concern. Platelet count is important for bleeding risks but less immediate. Chronic stable angina presents with predictable, non-severe pain. Ischemic stroke symptoms differ; focus on neurological deficits. Cardiogenic shock would present with more severe hypotension and signs of organ failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering a laxative is not necessary for a CT scan of the abdomen with contrast. Laxatives are typically used for bowel preparation for procedures like colonoscopies.
Choice B rationale
Biguanide medications such as metformin should be held before and after the administration of contrast medium to prevent lactic acidosis, particularly in clients with liver disease.
Choice C rationale
Fasting for 24 hours is not required before a CT scan with contrast medium. Typically, clients are asked to fast for a few hours prior to the procedure.
Choice D rationale
Ensuring the client is adequately hydrated helps to protect kidney function and reduce the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy. Hydration is especially important for clients with a history of liver disease.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The oral mucosa is the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis because it reflects the oxygenation of central tissues. When there is a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, the lips and mucous membranes, such as the oral mucosa, appear blue or cyanotic. This is a clear sign that the central tissues are not receiving adequate oxygenation.
Choice B rationale
The sclera of the eye is not a reliable indicator of central cyanosis. The sclera is white and does not change color due to oxygen levels. Instead, it may become yellow in jaundice or red in inflammation but does not reflect central cyanosis.
Choice C rationale
The ear lobes are peripheral areas and do not reliably indicate central cyanosis. Peripheral cyanosis can occur due to local blood flow issues, and ear lobes can appear blue in cold conditions even when central oxygenation is normal.
Choice D rationale
The soles of the feet, similar to the ear lobes, are peripheral areas and not reliable indicators of central cyanosis. Cyanosis in the feet can result from poor peripheral circulation rather than central hypoxia.
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